Annette Sexton-Ruiz

A note from the artist:

“My Library artwork is a conglomeration and reminder of relationships in my life. Starting with the roof, some of the broken ceramic pieces were gifts to me by my children, while others were made by former students and myself. Others were previously part of public art that had been abandoned. Many memories of those relationships. The bird of paradise painting on the back is my mother's.  Growing up with a mother who is an artist inspired me to become an artist.  It was special that we sat and painted on the library together, just as we had done when I was a child and many times after that, but not lately. My wish is that many good memories come from this library. Books that people will read and maybe relationships will develop as a result of books in this library!”

Artist bio:

Annette Sexton-Ruiz was born in Chicago and has lived most of her life in Arizona.

Her work has been displayed nationally and internationally.  She participated in the Chicano Art Movement in Chicago’s “Little Mexico” in the 80’s, and also Self-Help Graphics in East Los Angeles throughout the 90’s. She also has lived in Mexico City and visited and studied art in Puerto Rico, Italy, England, Ireland and Cuba.

Annette has a Bachelor of Art from ASU in Art History. She has created public art though artist residencies and commissions, beginning with a residency the Phoenix Center in 1999.  The majority are ceramic piece murals which now number over twenty and hang throughout the Phoenix Metro area.

Annette focuses on the importance of all cultures.  Her students not only learn how to make art, but also study art’s historical purposes and its cultural importance. Her exposures to Latino, Chicano and Irish Cultures are apparent in the use of bold colors, cultural imagery, and social messages in her work.

Annette has also been a social change activist since the 1980’s.

In the past years, she has focused her efforts with local pro-immigrant groups, curated art exhibitions which raise the viewers’ awareness of laws and practices like SB1070 and has devoted her own recent art efforts on social messages from within Arizona.